§ Mr. Kirbyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has considered abolishing tolls on all bridges and tunnels, particularly the Mersey tunnel, because of their detrimental effects, such as delays leading to loss of man-power, additional book-keeping, etc.; and whether he has any statement to make.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe responsibility for freeing roads, bridges and tunnels from tolls rests with the competent highway authorities. My Noble Friend is prepared to consider with those authorities any proposals which they may wish to submit. The Mersey Tunnel tolls were authorised for a limited period in order that the authorities concerned might recover in part their expenditure on construction and maintenance.